EP REVIEW: Summer Is A Curse – The Faim

Whether you’re a gambler or not, the smart money suggests this won’t be the last time you hear about pop rock quartet THE FAIM. The Aussies seem all but destined to burst into mainstream popularity in the coming years, and Summer Is A Curse stands as their necessary catalyst on their way through the airwaves.

In truth, the EP stands as a beacon that could make traditional alt rock fans stomach’s turn. THE FAIM make little attempt to sound anything like a real, legitimate rock band throughout the record’s six song lifespan. What is here though, is a sound that will catch fire with fans of AGAINST THE CURRENT, TWENTY ONE PILOTS, and PVRIS; who seem to be dominating the mainstream media’s idea of rock in the 2010s, for better or worse (mostly worse).

Both the title track and My Heart Needs To Breathe are quirky and unusual enough in their tonality to peek some interest, and lead vocalist Josh Raven often delivers lush, Brendan Urie-esque ballads. But where these tracks, and this EP in general, struggles to make any kind of musical impact is down to its lack of ingenuity. Too often throughout the record you’re waiting for some kind of signal that this music has a backbone supporting it.

Producer John Feldman has rid the record of almost any form of instrumental oomph, most of what’s on offer here sounds obnoxiously clean, pristine, and pretty lifeless. It’s hard to deny however, that the sign of the times suggests that THE FAIM will be set to reach stardom as a result of this. The one two of Make Believe and I Can Feel You have choruses ready built for the climax of the rom-com story, and there is an audience out there prepared to fall over themselves for this.

What Summer Is A Curse lacks in musical integrity it makes up for in its suitability for the task. With bands such as AGAINST THE CURRENT succeeding at the rate that they are, THE FAIM are ready built to fit the mould. This EP does little to satisfy your traditional rock fan, but you can make a safe bet this band start dominating the radio in the next 18 months.

Rating: 5/10

Summer Is A Curse is out now via BMG.

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